Linda Logan, Ph.D., has served The University of Olivet for more than 20 years. She says her passions for fostering diversity, helping others learn and grow, and advancing women have made all the roles she’s held throughout the years extremely rewarding. Now, she’s transitioning to a new position and is looking forward to impacting the college on an even larger scale as vice president and chief inclusion officer.
“The University of Olivet has long been committed to inclusion, diversity and social justice since its founding in 1844 as the first college in Michigan to admit women and persons of color on a co-equal basis with white men. More recently, the college has advanced its commitments to inclusion and diversity in a variety of ways,” said President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D. “Appointing an experienced and committed senior officer specifically dedicated to helping us advance these values is an important next step in our journey together, and I’m pleased Dr. Logan has accepted the challenge.”
A Comet for Decades
Dr. Logan first came to The University of Olivet in 1997, joining the faculty as director of the criminal justice program and assistant professor of sociology and anthropology. In 2001, she transitioned to chair of the Social Science Department while maintaining her role of assistant professor. Most recently, Dr. Logan held the position of vice president and dean of student life. In addition, she served as professor of sociology, a role she continues to hold.
“The University of Olivet is a college of opportunities,” Dr. Logan explained. “Students attending Olivet have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the college. Everyone is invested in helping students cultivate and accomplish their goals. When a student graduates from The University of Olivet, they will be prepared to serve as leaders of the future.”
It’s this strong connection to OC’s mission of educating students that has driven Dr. Logan to stay engaged with the college for such a large part of her career. Now as vice president and chief inclusion officer, she will lead efforts in sustaining a diverse and inclusive college community. Dr. Logan’s responsibilities include education, training, engaging in research, assisting in selecting talent and implementing programs that promote inclusion, diversity, equity, access and opportunity.
“I am really looking forward to working with the campus community to develop a viable and sustainable program related to the college’s goals of diversity and inclusion excellence,” Dr. Logan said. “Helping the campus to establish protocol of educating and engaging our community in the area of diversity and inclusion is exciting.”
Passion for Higher Education
Dr. Logan’s passion for working in higher education was developed during her own studies. She holds a doctorate in family and child ecology from Michigan State University, a master’s degree in counseling and guidance from Central Michigan University, and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Saginaw Valley State University. While studying for her master’s degree, Dr. Logan taught a college class on career development. Recognizing the difference she could make in students’ lives during just one class inspired her to pursue teaching full time.
In addition, Dr. Logan says the mentors she had during her own studies motivated her to reach the big goals she set for herself, like becoming a college professor. Still today, they influence her own mentoring style.
“My mentoring style is a combination of traditional mentorship along with serving as a cheerleader and networker. I try to pass expert information along, encourage students along the way and make sure he or she is connected with those who can help them achieve their goals. I didn’t get here by myself. There were many people along the way who helped me to excel and achieve my goals. Now I try to help students in the same way.”
Community Connections
Dr. Logan’s love of helping others succeed does not end with students at The University of Olivet. She’s also very active in her community, serving on the Michigan American Council on Education (MI-ACE) Executive Board, Zonta Capital Area Board, and Eaton County Emergency Pandemic Planning Commission, as well as president of the Lansing Association of Women’s Club, president of the Mid-Michigan District Missionary Society and liaison for the The University of Olivet Eaton County Sherriff’s Department.
A Woman of Color herself, Dr. Logan is especially active in promoting women’s leadership and advancing Women of Color. Each year, she helps organize the Women of Color Luncheon, welcoming an exemplary guest speaker to OC to connect with students. In addition, Dr. Logan served as the conference chair for MI-ACE, hosting the 2018 and 2019 Women’s Network annual conference supported by The University of Olivet.
“My passion has been and continues to be the equal advancement and promotion of women in the workplace,” Dr. Logan said. “My parents always told me with God at my side I can do and accomplish anything. It doesn’t matter what my gender or color is, if I want to do it I can. It is with that philosophy I set my goals. Every opportunity I get I share that message with other women and assist in finding avenues for their success.”
Dr. Logan continues to march forward, using her platforms to foster diversity, help others reach their goals and advance women. She is an asset to The University of Olivet and an exceptional role model to students. The campus community congratulates Dr. Logan on her appointment to vice president and chief inclusion officer and looks forward to what she achieves next.
Learn more about The University of Olivet’s diverse and inclusive campus by visiting or attending an upcoming admissions event. Contact the Office of Admissions at 800.46.7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu for questions.